Hip to be square: "R" you ready? Yonex R Series...

Seems this was a pivotal time for Yonex tennis as the "isometric" square head shape has been used by them since the design of these frames. I guess it harkens back the the old flat-top and semi-flat top frames from the early 1990s.

The funny thing is I've been put off on Yonex frames since the early 90's when I demoed a white RQ-180.

A year back I handled an RDS 001 mid and it felt great. I was even thinking about getting some as player frames......but I discovered the Wilson Graphite Force.

As a tribute to one of my favorite players I picked up an R-22 and posted in the R22 appreciation thread. Given the frames I've collected, at this point I'd choose the R-24 as a player as it's a graphite/kevlar mix. It feels solid and dampened, but not as soft as the R-18. The R-22 is nice.

It was an interesting time for frames as racket companies used the same molds but made frames with different layups.....

I found these pics online that show some differences in the R-22 cosmetics that tandayu mentioned.....and in some other R series frames which would be appropriate here too.

I have the R-18, the R-22 and one R-single digit, can't remember which one. And an RX-28. Really thought I had more sticks from the R-series... Only the R-18 and the RX-28 are in the log. To do-list: 1) Get more racquets. 2) Update the log... :wink:

Damn - I loved seeing all the old pics. I don't know why most of the newer sticks don't get me as excited as seeing some of these older models does.

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I feel the same way. I think it really was the time. A real transitional time for the game and the gear that was available. Back then, the advertisements weren't as "pro endorsement" based. I think it was split 50/50. There were advertisements for certain companies series of frames and there were the ads that showed a pro that used a particular model. Since every pro was picking up a graphite frame, you could trust that what was available in the stores was what the pro was using (minus mods).

At some point, the aluminum "squarehead" R-1 was superceded by a graphite composite "Rexplay" R-1, of the same muold as the R-22 but quite flexible for a Yonex product and, although I don't have much information on it, was downmarket from the R-22 and R-27 at the opposite end of their model spectrum:

I played with the R 22 for a couple of years. It hit great, but it was fragile. I broke several of them. Fortunately, Yonex was very good about replacing them. Finally, I went back to my Black Ace. I think they were pretty much indestructible.

FWIW, just for fun I went digging through some back issues of Tennis magazine and the last time a Yonex R series frame was advertised for sale in the back among the retailers was the R-22 in January of 1992.

At some point, the aluminum "squarehead" R-1 was superceded by a graphite composite "Rexplay" R-1, of the same muold as the R-22 but quite flexible for a Yonex product and, although I don't have much information on it, was downmarket from the R-22 and R-27 at the opposite end of their model spectrum:

These are great racquets! They have thin beams (~18mm) and unlike the other typical Yonex racquets, have a regular oval head shape (~90”). They all (SL version) weigh around 345/350gms (~12.3oz), except for the heavier version (SH?), which weighs at around 375gms (~13.3oz)!

VGP, thanks for sharing the additional info on different weight categories. Yes, the weight I have are strung weight with overgrips. So it makes sense. The heavier version of the RX 32, weighs in at ~377gms (13.3oz), with strings and overgrips. All the other RX 32s are SLs and are consistent with what you mentioned.

Regarding the composition, the frame just mentions "Graphite Composite" & "RX-32 A superlative graphite racquet designed with a gigantic sweet spot and head light balance to satisfy player demands at all levels". Not sure about the actual composition. I have played with the RX 22, which is a very nice racquet. However, ended up going with the RX 32 because of the conventional head shape. Overall, the RX 32 is a great racquet!

Well I just picked up a Yonex R-18 in 9+/10 condition off Craigslist. Im shocked at how good of condition it's in. Original yonex leather grip is perfect. Grommets perfect. Paint job only has some scratches at the top otherwise spotless. Got it for 5 bucks too. It is strung. The string is a golden color and says "TOA string TOA gold". Anybody know about the string?

It is strung. The string is a golden color and says "TOA string TOA gold". Anybody know about the string?

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Well, A) It wasn't all gold...plenty of colors and 2) It was a decent syn gut in its day. Was likely the 'core' string that was branded with many other marques. TOA was(is?) one of the largest string manufacturers in the world.

I always thought it ran a little 'large' for the indicated gauge and played softer/deader than expected as a result. Plenty of folks NOW would welcome that characteristic. Here's a description from one supplier:
"""Tennis string TOALSON TOA GOLD - Toa Gold is the most popular and the best known string in Toalson series in the world. Construction: the stable core with the multifilament sheet and with the stable coating. Characteristics: a high stability, the steady play characteristics. An optimal play feel, control and is excellent for the spin hits. Recommendation: suitable for all play categories. Ideal for any kind of rackets."""

In other words, one of the best strings EVER, since the BEGINNING of TIME!

At some point, the aluminum "squarehead" R-1 was superceded by a graphite composite "Rexplay" R-1, of the same muold as the R-22 but quite flexible for a Yonex product and, although I don't have much information on it, was downmarket from the R-22 and R-27 at the opposite end of their model spectrum:

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just to add to the Yonex fund of knowledge, I too have seen a later composite version; this one of the metal R-2, the composite version also called a Rexplay 2.

Could you please tell me something about this Rexking 4 (R-4)? I've never heard anything about it until last week, when I saw one for sale (used, in great condition) in a shop here in Milan (Italy). Any player used it back in the '90s? Info or specs...?
Thanks a lot!
Ettore